A YEAR IN THE
APIARY
OCTOBER
As the summer months come to an end, it’s time to shift your focus towards preparing the hives for the upcoming winter. October is a month of transition in the apiary, with beekeepers completing their final inspections before winter, preparing their hives for the colder months. At this time of year, it's essential to ensure that the bees have adequate food stores to see them through the winter. You should check your hives' honey reserves, and if necessary, feed the bees with fondant to supplement their food supply. As the temperature starts to drop, it's also essential to ensure that the bees' hives are adequately insulated to protect them from the cold. You may need to add insulation, such as a quilt or wrap, to the hives to keep the bees warm.
​Here are some things to consider doing in your apiary in October:
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Feed bees: Heft the hives and if your colonies are light on stores, you should consider feeding them with fondant.
Prepare for winter: October is the month to start preparing your hives for the winter. Ensure that they are well insulated. Poly hives do not need insulation, but it is wise to insulate a wooden hive. If you have an open floor, consider thermal insulation above the crown board.
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Watch out for pests: If you have woodpeckers in the area, you need to protect the hives from being destroyed. Fit mouse guards if you didn't do this in September.
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Hive stands: It is important to strap hives down to the stands to ensure they don’t topple over in high winds during the winter.
Clean equipment: As the beekeeping season draws to a close, take the time to clean and sanitise your equipment, including frames, supers, and other tools. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and prepare you for the next season.
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Green fingers: Now is an ideal opportunity to plant spring bulbs ready for next year so that your bees don’t have far to go to forage.
Beekeeping Sales: Beekeeping sales are usually around this time of year so take this opportunity to get next year’s stock.
Maintain records: Beekeeping records are an important tool to manage colonies effectively and ensure the health and productivity of your bees, don't forget to record your findings.
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Attend local beekeeping events: Many beekeeping associations and organisations hold events in October, including workshops, conferences, and meetings. Attend these events to network with other beekeepers, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in beekeeping.
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